South Essex has become a hotspot for real estate developers and house-hunters, but not everyone thinks it is good news.

Towns such as Basildon, Rochford and Southend are highly desirable given their close links to London.

It is often thought the better the housing market, the more economic opportunities for a town. However, Rochford District Lib Dem councillor James Newport believes the district will eventually become overcrowded because the geographical size of Rochford and its infrastructure will be unable to cope as more people flock to the area.

He said: “Since I moved to the area in 2000 it has definitely become a lot busier. The area has become very desirable for people due to access to good schools and railway links into London.

“The area is in great need of investment in infrastructure with our roads, schools, doctors, and dentists all struggling to keep up.

“Affordable housing is a concern. There is not a big enough supply of affordable housing in our district.

“I have a personal view that when Crossrail is completed in December 2018, our district will become even busier and the demands for development will become even greater.”

Major housing developments in the district include 600 new homes to be built on fields off Hall Road.

The developments were met with fierce opposition, with residents saying it would cause a nightmare for the district’s already heavily congested roads.

Mr Newport added: “Rochford has a lot of green belt and it would be a shame to see them go because we’re famous for having lots of green areas. Rochford is a desirable place, we have good commuter links to London.

“The more in demand our housing market is, the more properties will increase in value over time so it’s hard to have affordable housing.”

Other major developments include 500 new homes to be built west of Malyons Lane, Hullbridge. And another 550 new homes on an empty farm site north of London Road in Rayleigh.

Hockley resident Michelle Hallett, 50, said: “My family and I have lived here for 25 years and life is now unbearable, you can’t go anywhere by car now as it’s gridlock, old and sick people have to queue at 7.30am to get an appointment at the doctors.

“When we moved to Hockley the land behind our home was green belt until Rochford District Council allowed developers to change it to brown field.

“My children are in their late twenties and have only just found homes after spending many years saving. They found it very hard indeed to find affordable housing in this area. We also have many friends and family who have children in their mid-twenties still living at home.

“Most, if not all, the housing being built is starting at around £350,000 and they’re not being bought by local people.”

Chairman of Basildon Council’s housing and community committee, councillor Kerry Smith, said it is a council’s responsibility to ensure all residents have a roof under their heads.

He said: “We’re in a housing crisis, and local authorities are feeling the pressure. While we’re in a housing shortage, we should prioritise council housing.

“I’ve always objected to the developments in Dry Street because these are premium homes, and not everyone in the borough can afford these.

“Each week I have up to five cases of residents needing council housing. People are desperate for council housing.

“At the moment there are restrictions placed on local authorities who can’t borrow money from the Housing Revenue account to build council houses.

“I understand people are concerned about maintaining green belt sites, but I would rather put a roof over everyone’s head.”

Trudi Longman, 26, of Elizabeth Way, Laindon, rents privately with her husband, who is 28.

She said: “My husband and I have been saving for years just for a deposit. We don’t go out, we don’t drink or smoke. We pay £800 a month for rent, and we live on the bare minimum. We really need more council housing.

“My husband works full-time, and I have been in and out of jobs because of my health, and I have to look after my daughter who has autism.”